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Unveiling a Powerful Reminder of Possibilty

Industry-leading mining and resource company Exxaro, in
partnership with the Rotarians of Rotary District 9400 (part of a worldwide
network of community volunteers), and with permission and endorsement from the
Nelson Mandela Foundation, the South African National Council for the Blind and
Stanlib, unveiled a special statue of Nelson Mandela on 23 November in Nelson
Mandela Square in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The significance of this one-metre tall Madiba statue is that it
is intended for the visually impaired – allowing them to experience the statue
in their own unique way. The new statue was created by Kobus Hattingh, who
sculpted the iconic six-metre original on which it is based, and which already
occupies the Square.

The aim of the project is to keep Madiba’s inspiring legacy
alive for ordinary South Africans, and to raise awareness of the challenges
faced by visually impaired people in Africa and beyond.

Exxaro CEO Mxolisi Mgojo explains, “We are very pleased to
have the opportunity to change people’s lives through our partnership with
Rotary This partnership is the core of our purpose which is to powering
better lives and we hope that this statue will be a symbol of our commitment to
social cohesion and inclusivity.”

David Grant, a past Governor of Rotary District 9400, and leader
of the replica statue project, says Rotary is very appreciative of the generous
support that it has received from Exxaro Resources Ltd to make the replica
statue a reality. "Peace and reconciliation is one of the focus areas of
Rotary initiatives world-wide. We feel very honoured for the opportunity to
help convey the message of peace for which the late Nelson Mandela is so highly
regarded and respected as a world statesmen.”

Mgojo was joined at the Madiba statue unveiling by high-profile
attendees like Department of Arts & Culture Director-General Vusumuzi
Mkhize who performed the unveiling honours.